Samuele is twelve and lives on Lampedusa, an island in the Mediterranean Sea situated some 200km off Italy’s southern coast. Like many kids of his age he does not always enjoy going to school. He would much rather climb the rocks by the shore or play with his slingshot. His home is not like other islands. For years, it has been the destination of men, women and children trying to make the crossing over the Mediterranean Sea in boats that are far too small and decrepit. Gianfranco Rosi spent months living on this island, capturing its history, culture and the everyday reality of its 6,000-strong local population as hundreds of refugees landed on its shores on a weekly basis.